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Eurosport commentator Bob Ballard suspended after sexist comments at the 2024 Paris Olympics

Theo

Olympic broadcaster Robert Ballard was pulled from the program after making sexist comments at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Ballard, who works for France-based broadcaster Eurosport, made the remark after the women’s 4x100m swimming event on Saturday night.

During an update on the Games in general, Ballard attempted a sexist joke about the fact that the women’s race was not yet over.

“Well, the women are just finished. You know how women are… hanging around and putting on makeup,” he said.

Ballard’s broadcast partner Lizzie Simmonds reportedly took umbrage at his comment, calling it “outrageous” on the same show. Ballard’s comments came after the Australian women’s team won the gold medal in the 4x100m freestyle relay competition.

Several Australians criticized Ballard on social media for his comments and Eurosport itself even released an official statement.

“During a segment of Eurosport’s coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment,” Eurosport said, according to The Independent. “As a result, he has been removed from our commentator list with immediate effect.”

Ballard has not yet publicly commented on his dismissal from the network. His most recent post on X was 10 hours ago. He posted an update from the games earlier today, before the whole controversy started.

Now Eurosport will continue its coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games without Bob Ballard, regardless of whether he offers clarification or apologizes in any way for his statement.

Organizers of the Paris Olympic Games explain the “Festival of the Gods” section during the opening ceremony

The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games was a spectacular sight, with a unique parade of athletes on the Seine. There were numerous references to European artwork along the way, but the evening was not without controversy.

A seemingly parody sketch Leonardo da Vinci‘s painting “The Last Supper” immediately received harsh criticism by the Catholic Church and other religious organizations. The organizers apologized for the portrayal.

“There was clearly never any intention to be disrespectful to any religious group,” said the Paris 2024 spokesman. Anne Descamps said at a press conference, according to Reuters“(The opening ceremony) was meant to celebrate the community’s tolerance. … We believe that goal was achieved. If people felt offended, we are truly sorry.”

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